Microzone hvac system with precision air device

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatus and methods for providing personalized comfort to occupants of a conditioned space. A precision air device having a standalone controllable fan with directional nozzles is provided. The precision air device includes environmental and occupancy sensors, and communicates with a user device and with other precision air devices in the space. Application software installed on an occupant&#39;s user device enables the occupant to specify whether it is too cold or too warm within his or her personal space, or microzone. The collective demand of all microzones within a VAV macrozone is determined by a precision air aggregator to adjust a controllable VAV damper for that macrozone.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) systems, and in particular, to systems,apparatus, and methods that provide personally controllable air deliveryto individuals situated in an environmentally controlled space, such anoffice cubicle environment.

2. Background of Related Art

A building automation system (BAS) is a system of controls and devicesfor managing the environment of a building. A BAS may include one ormore building automation controllers (BAC) in communication with suchdevices as HVAC components, lighting devices, security and accesscontrol devices, irrigation systems, BAS command and control consoles,and so forth.

In a typical HVAC system, conditioned air is delivered from an airsource, such as an air handler or rooftop unit, to an office space by aceiling-mounted device known as a variable air volume (VAV) box. The VAVbox includes a damper that regulates the flow of air passing through theVAV, and outlet ports through which the conditioned air flows into ductsor flex tubes to one or more diffusers that supply the air to the space.The diffusers can contain a grille, directing vanes, or other structuresthat direct the conditioned air into the space. The temperature of theconditioned air delivered by the air source to the VAV, and the positionof the VAV damper, may be determined by operating commands issued by theBAC.

One drawback of current approaches to office building air delivery isthat often no provision is made to accommodate individual comfortpreferences of each cubicle's occupant. Known thermal comfort modelsassume that an individual's comfort is a fixed value or a value within arange. Another drawback is that air is delivered to areas which may beeither unoccupied or which, because of occupant discomfort, require lessairflow. These drawbacks make it impossible to fully optimize airdelivery throughout the environment and achieve maximum efficiency ofthe HVAC system. They also make unavoidable varying degrees of occupantdiscomfort, and the associated loss of productivity. An HVAC system thataddresses these shortcomings in a user-friendly and cost-effectivemanner would be a welcome advance in the art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a precision airdevice having a housing, an air intake, an outlet nozzle, a nozzledamper operatively associated with the outlet nozzle, an air moverconfigured to move air from the air intake to the outlet nozzle, and anair sensor. The precision air device includes a controller having aprocessor in operative communication with the air mover and the airsensor, a communications interface coupled to the processor, and amemory coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions,which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to verifythe presence of an occupant, determine a target air velocity, and adjustthe nozzle damper and/or the air mover to deliver the determined airvelocity from the outlet nozzle.

In some embodiments, the precision air device includes an actuatorcoupled to the nozzle damper. The actuator is in operative communicationwith the processor and is configured to adjust the position of thenozzle damper. The precision air device may include an occupancy sensorin operative communication with the processor. The air sensor caninclude a temperature sensor and/or a relative humidity sensor. The airmover may, in some embodiments, include a centrifugal impeller and avariable speed motor operatively coupled to the centrifugal impeller.The air mover may be fixed to the base with one or more isolationmembers. In some embodiments, the precision air device includes a vanestructure disposed between the air intake and the air mover and having aseries of vanes extending downwardly therefrom dimensioned to engage aninner surface of the housing and configured to direct air from the airmover to the outlet nozzle.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a microzoneHVAC system. The microzone HVAC system includes a variable air volumebox configured to deliver conditioned air to a zone, one or moreprecision air devices, and a precision air aggregator in operativecommunication with the one or more precision air devices and thevariable air volume box.

In some embodiments, the microzone HVAC system includes applicationsoftware configured for execution on a user device to enable a user tocommunicate a comfort parameter to the microzone HVAC system. In someembodiments, the application software is further configured to pair theuser device to a specific one of the one or more precision air devices.The comfort parameter may include a fan speed, a clothingcharacterization, and a metabolic characterization. The precision airaggregator may be communicatively coupled with the one or more precisionair devices by a wireless mesh network. In some embodiments, themicrozone HVAC system includes the precision air device as describedabove. In some embodiments, the precision air aggregator comprises acomfort index log, a processor, a communications interface coupled tothe processor, and a memory coupled to the processor storinginstructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause thecontroller to receive a comfort index from a precision air device andenter the received comfort index into the a comfort index log if thereceived comfort index differs from the previous comfort index by apredetermined amount.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating amicrozone HVAC system includes associating a precision air device to amicrozone within a climate control macrozone, pairing a user device withthe precision air device, cooling the macrozone to a first setpointtemperature, sensing an occupancy of the microzone, receiving, at theprecision air device, a user comfort parameter from the user device, andadjusting an air velocity of the precision air device in accordance withthe received user comfort parameter to attempt to achieve a perceivedtemperature at the microzone that is different from the first setpointtemperature.

In some embodiments, the method includes cooling the macrozone to asecond setpoint temperature that is different than the first setpointtemperature if the perceived temperature is not achieved. In someembodiments, the method may include defining an initial comfort index ofa user, obtaining a macrozone temperature, a microzone temperature, acurrent air velocity of the precision air device, a user clothingcharacterization, and a user metabolic characterization, receiving anair velocity adjustment amount from the user, and updating the comfortindex of the user based on the air velocity adjustment. The macrozonesmay include a plurality of microzones. The method can include coolingthe macrozone to a second setpoint temperature that is lower than thefirst setpoint temperature if the number of microzones where the currentair velocity is greater than a predetermined threshold exceeds apredetermined percentage of the total number of microzones, or the totalnumber of occupied microzones. An updated user clothing characterizationand/or an updated user metabolic characterization can be solicited fromthe user if the microzone temperature exceeds the macrozone temperature.In some embodiments, the method can include increasing the macrozonetemperature to a second setpoint temperature that is greater than thefirst setpoint temperature if the number of microzones where the currentair velocity is less than a predetermined threshold exceeds apredetermined percentage of the total number of microzones, or the totalnumber of occupied microzones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the disclosed system and method are describedherein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a precision air device in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the precision air device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a precision air device controller inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a microzone HVAC system utilizing a precision airdevice in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a microzone HVAC system utilizing precision airdevices in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is schematic diagram of a microzone HVAC system having aprecision air aggregator in a network configuration according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is schematic diagram of a microzone HVAC system having aprecision air aggregator in a network configuration according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is schematic diagram of a microzone HVAC system having aprecision air aggregator in a network configuration according to yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a user device user interface in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a personalized air distribution systemin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a personalized air distribution system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views of a supply panel of apersonalized air distribution system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views of a plenum panel of apersonalized air distribution system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are schematic views of a comfort panel of apersonalized air distribution system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic views of a return panel of apersonalized air distribution system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates another example embodiment of a microzone HVACsystem in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates yet another example embodiment of a microzone HVACsystem in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an arrangement of zones and microzones ofa microzone HVAC system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a graphic representation of a dynamic comfort index model inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a method of performing an initial setup ofa precision air device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method of operation of a precision airdevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method of decreasing a zone setpoint of amicrozone HVAC system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of a method of increasing a zone setpoint of amicrozone HVAC system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of updating a user'scomfort index in a microzone HVAC system in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating a learning and operating modes ofa microzone HVAC system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a user device user interface in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various aspects of the present disclosure mentioned above aredescribed in further detail with reference to the aforementioned figuresand the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure aredescribed hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings,however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of thedisclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functionsor constructions and repetitive matter are not described in detail toavoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundantdetail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for theclaims and examples for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure in any appropriately-detailed structure.In this description, as well as in the drawings, like-referenced numbersrepresent elements which may perform the same, similar, or equivalentfunctions. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as anon-limiting example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodimentdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The word “example” maybe used interchangeably with the term “exemplary.”

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in terms offunctional block components and various processing steps. It should beappreciated that such functional blocks configured to perform thespecified functions may be embodied in mechanical devices,electromechanical devices, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/ormodules embodied in a computer. For example, the present disclosure mayemploy various discrete components, integrated circuit components (e.g.,memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables,and the like) which may carry out a variety of functions, whetherindependently, in cooperation with one or more other components, and/orunder the control of one or more processors or other control devices.One skilled in the art will also appreciate that, for security reasons,any element of the present disclosure may includes any of varioussuitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes,authentication, encryption, de-encryption, compression, decompression,and/or the like. It should be understood that the steps recited hereinmay be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.Moreover, two or more steps or actions recited herein may be performedconcurrently.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a precision air device having astandalone controllable fan with directional ducted nozzles is installedat each cubicle or station in an office environment. While the term“cubicle” is used throughout this disclosure to denote an area served bya ducted nozzle, it should be understood that a ducted nozzle may serveany area in which a user is present. The system enables an occupant tospecify whether it is too cold or too warm within the cubicle using, forexample, application software (an “app”) installed on the occupantuser's user device; a desktop or laptop software application; awall-mounted touchscreen, display or control panel; using a button orfingerprint sensor on the precision air device; using voice activationspeech recognition via a microphone on the precision air device; and/ora remote control.

The term “microzone” is used to denote the local environment of aprecision air device. The collective demand specified by all microzoneswithin a VAV zone, or macrozone, is determined by the PAA. The PAAcomputes a modified zone temperature measurement and/or zone temperaturesetpoint and communicates intructions to the VAV controller, whichmodulates the VAV damper accordingly to achieve the required zonetemperature as described in detail below. In an embodiment, the PAA maydirectly control or override the VAV controller airflow target value ordamper position. The presence or absence of a user (“occupancy”) at acubicle may be determined using an occupancy sensor associated with theducted nozzle (such as a passive infrared “PIR” sensor), by detecting anelectronic signal associated with the user or a user's device (such as aBluetooth™ signal from the user's mobile phone), from video analyticsderived from a surveillance camera, detecting a user login at acomputing device in the cubicle, and so forth. Airflow is turned off forunoccupied cubicles. The system continuously monitors user preferences(e.g., temperature adjustments up or down) communicated from a controlpanel or user software application, occupancy sensor status, and intakesensor readings to optimize the setpoints of all cubicle nozzles.

The inventors have recognized that, while modest efficiency gains may berealized by raising the macrozone (VAV zone) air temperature setpoint,or by reducing VAV airflow, much greater total gains may be realized byboth raising the zone air temperature setpoint and reducing VAV airflow.The inventors have also recognized that increased local air velocitycreates a perceived reduction in local temperature. The inventors havefurther recognized that there is an upper limit to local air velocitythat both the user and local environment can accept without discomfortor disruption to the local space. The present invention is thereforedesigned to provide efficient local cooling while maintaining localairflow speeds below that which cause discomfort or annoyance. Forexample, a 200 ft/min air stream provides a perceived cooling of about6° F., without causing a disruptive sensation of air flow. Byselectively providing increased airflow to personal microzones,embodiments of the present disclosure enable the overall buildingsetpoint temperature to be increased and total airflow to be reduced,while providing personalized and enhanced comfort to occupants and a netenergy savings for the entire building.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a user's preference historyis used to compile a user profile that may be used, for example, topredict future energy use based on historical patterns or as anoffice-planning aid whereby users who have similar preferences can begrouped together. For example, during an office reconfiguration, userswho have a history of preferring cooler temperatures are situatedtogether, and likewise for those users preferring warmer temperatures.In another example, when a user moves to a new location, theenvironmental profile enables the system at the new location to adjustthe user's environment according to the user's preference history. In anembodiment, a user profile is maintained in one or more remote dataservers and may be applied when, for example, a user visits another roomin the same building, moves to another building within the sameorganization, or travels to a site which also includes a BAS inaccordance with the present disclosure.

In yet another aspect, disclosed is an air distribution systemconsisting of interlocking ceiling tiles that incorporate flat panelducts to selectively distribute conditioned air to a targeted comfortzone. In still another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to anair distribution system consisting of an outlet of a VAV box coupled toa remotely-controlled diffuser to selectively distribute conditioned airto a targeted microzone.

In yet another aspect, an outlet of a VAV box is coupled to an inlet ofa precision air device via a duct or other form of air conduit. Theprecision air device may be mounted overhead, such as on a ceiling overan associated microzone, to deliver personalized air streams to cubicleswithin the microzone.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a precision air device 100 in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Precision air device100 includes a housing 101 having a disc-shaped top cover 102 and a body104 having a generally tapered cylindrical shape. Cover 102 includes anintake 103 into which room air is drawn into precision air device 100during operation. An intake sensor 117 is disposed proximate to intake103 and is configured to sense the conditions of ambient air being drawninto precision air device 100. In the present embodiment, intake sensor117 includes a combination temperature/relative humidity sensor. Housing101 includes four outlet nozzles 105 from which air is expelled toprovide enhanced comfort to a user. An occupancy sensor 106 is mountedproximate to each outlet nozzle 105 that is configured to sense thepresence of a person within the area that receives airflow from thecorresponding outlet nozzle 105. With reference to FIG. 2, precision airdevice 100 includes a base 107 having a bottom cover 115 that isconfigured to accept a variety of mounting adapters, such as angularmounting plate 113a and surface mounting plate 113b to facilitate theuse of precision air device 100 in a range of mounting situations.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, precision air device 100 includes acentrifugal impeller 109 driven by a motor 110, which in the presentembodiment is an electrically commutated motor (ECM), sometimes referredto as a brushless DC motor, but may, in other embodiments, be a fixedspeed DC motor or a fixed or variable speed AC motor. Preferably, motor110 is rated for continuous operation and includes maintenance-free ballbearings for quiet operation and long service life. Centrifugal impeller109 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, withoutlimitation, polypropylene (PP). Motor 110 may be fixed to base 107and/or bottom cover 115 using any suitable fastener, such as bolts,rivets, and the like, and may include isolation members to reduceoperating noise and vibration. A vane structure 108 is disposed betweenintake grille 102 and impeller 109 and includes a series of vanes 114extending downwardly therefrom that are dimensioned to engage an innersurface 116 of body 104 to direct air from impeller 109 to each of theoutlet nozzles 105.

Each outlet nozzle 105 is operatively associated with a correspondingnozzle damper 118. An actuator 111 is coupled to nozzle damper 118 toadjust the position of damper 118 to control the airflow through thecorresponding outlet nozzle 105. A printed circuit board (PCB) 112 ismounted in base 107. PCB 112 includes components required to operateprecision air device 100. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of acontroller 120 included on PCB 112. Controller 120 includes a processor121 operatively coupled with a memory 122. Memory 122 may includevolatile and non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory, optical, or magnetic disk memory, in any desired form factor,such as dual inline package (DIP), surface mount device (SMD), SD card,USB stick, hard drive, solid state drive (SSD) and so forth. Acommunications interface 123 is operatively coupled to processor 121 andsupports a wireless networking protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4personal area networking standard (e.g., Zigbee®, Trane Air-Fi®,Z-Wave®). Other embodiments may additionally, optionally, oralternatively support other wireless communications protocols, such as,without limitation, IEEE 802.11 “WiFi” wireless networking standard,Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and so forth. Still otherembodiments may additionally, optionally, or alternatively support awired communication protocol, such as TCP/IP over Ethernet.

Controller 120 includes motor driver 124 that includes circuitry fordriving motor 110 at a desired speed. In an embodiment where motor 110is a variable speed DC motor, motor driver 124 includes pulse widthmodulation (PWM) circuitry for driving motor 110 at variable speed aswill be familiar to the skilled artisan. In use, motor driver 100receives a motor drive signal from processor 121 to run motor 110 andthus impeller 109 at an appropriate speed to deliver the desired airflowto an occupant. Motor driver 124 may be configured to change the speedof motor 110 at a predefined, gradual rate to render the operation ofprecision air device 100 less obtrusive to an occupant.

In some embodiments, motor driver 124 may be included in motor 110. Inthese embodiments, controller 120 communicates a fan control signal tomotor driver 124 of motor 100 to vary the speed of motor 110. The fancontrol signal may be an analog voltage or input current thatcorresponds to the desired speed, a PWM speed command, or a communicatedvalue using a proprietary or standard network protocol including, butnot limited to, MODBUS, I2C, or 1-Wire.

Controller 120 includes a set of actuator drivers 125 which interfacecontrol signals from processor 121 to each of the actuators 111 duringuse. Each outlet nozzle 105 is operatively associated with acorresponding actuator 111 that is configured to adjust the position ofa nozzle damper 118 that adjusts the volume of air flowing throughoutlet nozzle 105. While in the example embodiment depicted in FIGS.1-3, actuator 111 includes a stepper motor configured to adjust nozzledamper 118, the present disclosure is not so limited and in variousembodiments, actuator 111 may include a servo motor, a pneumaticactuator, a wax motor, or other suitable motive device. Actuator 111 maybe coupled to nozzle damper 118 in any suitable manner, such as directdrive, gear drive, rack and pinion drive, belt drive, roller (friction)drive, and so forth. Controller 120 includes sensor interface 126 whichcommunicatively couples intake sensors 117 and occupancy sensors 106 toprocessor 121. A power supply unit (PSU) 129 converts AC line voltage,typically 100-240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, to low voltage DC suitable for useby controller 120, e.g., 3.3 VDC, 5 VDC, 12 VDC and/or 24 VDC. PSU 129may be included in controller 120 (e.g., on PCB 112) or may be providedas an external power supply unit (e.g., a “power brick”).

Controller 120 includes supervisor module 128 that is configured tocause controller 120 adjust the speed of motor 110 and/or the positionsof actuators 111 in response to commands received from a remote devicevia communications interface 123, and to cause controller 120 totransmit sensor readings obtained from intake sensor 117 and/or one ormore occupancy sensors 106 to a remote device via communicationsinterface 123. Supervisor module 128 may be embodied as any suitablesoftware and/or hardware as will be appreciated by those having skill inthe art and/or as described herein, for example, as a set of programinstructions stored in memory 122 and executable by processor 121.Supervisor module 128 may additionally or alternatively be configured toadjust the speed of motor 110 and/or the positions of actuators 111based at least in part upon sensor readings of intake sensor 117 and/orone or more of occupancy sensors 106.

It should be understood that, although the present example embodiment isconfigured to accommodate four users (e.g., includes four outlet nozzles105, four vanes 114, four sensors 106, four dampers 118, four actuators111 etc.), the present disclosure is not so limited. Embodiments of aprecision air device 100 according to the present disclosure may includeany number of outlet nozzles 105, vanes 114, sensors 106, dampers 118,actuators 111 etc.

FIG. 4 depicts a personal comfort HVAC system 140 that utilizes one ormore precision air devices 100 to provide personalized comfort tooccupants of an office cubicle system C that is situated in aconditioned space. Example cubicle C is partitioned into work stationC1, C2 etc. Precision air device 100 is mounted to cubicle C andoriented such that each outlet nozzle 105 is directed towards a seatingposition of each work station C1, C2 etc. Conditioned air flows from VAVbox 132 via duct 131 into the conditioned space through one or morediffusers 134 positioned on the ceiling of the conditioned space inproximity to cubicle C. VAV box 132 includes a damper 133 that controlsthe airflow from VAV box 132, through the ceiling-mounted diffuser 134,and into the conditioned space. The system 140 associates a group of oneor more precision air devices 100 (a fan group) with a common VAV box132 and/or damper 133 which provides conditioned air to the fan group.In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, a single VAV box 132 asupplies conditioned air to three cubicle units C via a single diffuser134 a. In this example, each of precision air devices 100 a, 100 b, and100 c are associated with VAV box 132 a and damper 133 a. In certainembodiments, VAV box 132 may include a plurality of dampers 133, eachcontrolling the flow of conditioned air to a separate air diffuser 134located in proximity to a defined set of one or more office cubicles.Each precision air device 100 is associated with one or more VAV boxes132 which supply conditioned air to the vicinity in which precision airdevice 100 is located.

HVAC system 140 includes a building automation system controller (BAC)135 configured for operative communication with one or more air handlerunits 130, one or more VAV boxes 132, one or more environmental sensors149, and/or one or thermostats 141. BAC 135, VAV boxes 132, andthermostats 141 may utilize any suitable combination of wired and/orwireless communication links, such as, without limitation, a wiredRS-485 differential twisted pair network utilizing the BACnet protocol,a wireless network based on the IEEE 802.11 standards (e.g., “WiFi”), aLonWorks® network, a proprietary interconnection scheme, and/or awireless mesh network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standards (e.g.,Zigbee, Trane AirFi®). Environmental sensors 149 may include, withoutlimitation, a temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor, abarometric pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, an occupancy sensor,and/or a CO₂ sensor. Environmental sensors 149 may be positioned withinthe conditioned space and/or outdoors to assess ambient weatherconditions.

For example, in some embodiments, BAC 135 adjusts the operation of airhandler unit 130 and VAV boxes 132 via a BACnet network to maintain theconditioned space at a desired setpoint temperature in response toinputs received from one or more thermostats 141. In certain otherembodiments, thermostat 141 is hard-wired to an associated VAV box 132to provide localized control of conditioned air into the space, withoutnecessarily interacting with BAC 135. In these embodiments thermostat141 adjusts the position of the VAV damper 133 of the associated VAV box132 to regulate the volume of airflow into the space, which, in turn,maintains the temperature of the conditioned space at the desiredsetpoint. VAV box 132 includes a hard-wired thermostat override whichenables a precision air aggregator (PAA) 138 to assume control of VAVbox 132 when required, as described in more detail below.

In other example embodiments, BAC 135 provides high-level supervisorycontrol and data aggregation of the entire HVAC system. Air handler unit130 regulates the air flow and air temperature supplied to VAV boxes132. VAV box 132 includes a VAV controller 152 that adjusts the positionof VAV damper 133 position to maintain VAV zone (macrozone) airtemperature at the desired zone temperature setpoint. Thermostat 141measures the average macrozone temperature and allows a user to enter adesired zone temperature setpoint that is communicated to VAV controller152, which, in turn, adjusts the position of VAV damper 133 to controlmacrozone temperature. VAV controller 152 may include a temperaturesetpoint override function to enable PAA 138 to override thermostat 141.Additionally or alternatively, PAA 138 can masquerade as thermostat 141by providing the same electrical signals that thermostat 141 wouldnormally provide. In this case, thermostat 141 is deactivated.

Precision air aggregator (PAA) 138 can act as a gateway betweenprecision air devices 100 and the other elements of microzone HVACsystem 140. With attention now to the example embodiment shown in FIG.5, the one or more precision air devices 100 form a wireless meshnetwork 142 utilizing the Zigbee networking protocol. In embodiments,mesh network 142 operates in conformance with a Zigbee® “BuildingAutomation Certified” protocol using an open BACnetTM standard, alsoknown in the art as Trane Air-Fi®. PAA 138 may function within meshnetwork 142 as a coordinator (parent) node, a router node, or an endnode. When operating as an end node, PAA 138 may be configured todisable sleep mode (e.g., a low power, battery-saving mode).

PAA 138 is communicatively coupled with a remote server 139 thatreceives temperature preferences and related profile information fromusers who occupy a work station situated in the conditioned space.Remote server 139 includes a database storing relationships or“bindings” between a user and a precision air device 100 at the user'sworkstation; which outlet nozzle 105 of the precision air device 100faces the user's work station; and user historical data such astemperature preference history (e.g., whether the user typically preferswarmer or cooler temperatures) and location history (e.g., those workstations with which the user has been associated).

A binding between a user and a precision air device 100 can beestablished using a number of techniques. In one embodiment, a userdevice 137 is configured with application software 151 that enables auser to communicate with microzone HVAC system 140. A user enters intouser device 137 a choice of outlet nozzle 105 facing his or her workstation, and a unique fan identification (Fan ID) code found on a labelaffixed to precision air device 100. The outlet nozzle choice, Fan IDand a unique code associated with the user device is transmitted toremote server 139 to establish the binding. A unique code associatedwith the user device may include an electronic serial number (ESN), aninternational mobile equipment identity code (IMEI), a media accesscontrol address (MAC address), a user name, email address, a phonenumber (e.g., mobile identification number or MIN), or other suitableindicia that identifies the user or a device in possession of the user.In another embodiment, the Fan ID is obtained by scanning a barcode orQR code fixed to precision air device 100 using a camera included inuser device 137, which is transmitted with the user device ID to remoteserver 139 to establish the binding. In yet other embodiments, userdevice 137 and precision air device 100 are paired via a Bluetooth®connection. In these embodiments, precision air device 100 includes apairing pushbutton (or similar actuator) adjacent to, or otherwiseassociated with, each outlet nozzle 105. The user activates the pairingbutton of the desired outlet nozzle, and completes the pairing processwith his or her user device 137 to establish a Bluetooth connection.Using this Bluetooth connection, precision air device 100 transmits theFan ID and outlet nozzle identifier to user device 137, which, in turn,transmits the Fan ID, outlet nozzle identifier, and user deviceidentifier to remote server 139.

User device 137 may include, but is not limited to, a smart phone ortablet computer, a desktop or laptop computer, a wall-mountedtouchscreen, a display or control panel, and/or a remote control.

A binding between a PAA 138, a precision air device 100, and/or a VAV132 may be established to enable communications therebetween, and tocreate functional groupings consisting of a VAV 132 and one or moreprecision air devices 100. In one embodiment, such a binding can beachieved by actuating, within a predefined time period, a pairing buttonon each device to be bound. In another embodiment, binding is achievedby manipulating a set of rotary dials, DIP switches, header pin jumpers,etc. to enter a common code identifying the bound devices to each other.In still another embodiment, a unique device identifier, such as a MACaddress, is used.

The system enables user device 137 to communicate with precision airdevices 100 and/or remote server 139 using a variety of methods whichmay be dynamically chosen based, at least in part, on user preferences,site provisioning, and/or the local radiofrequency (RF) environment.Thus, if a cellular network 145 or WiFi network 146 is available, userdevice 137 may communicate with precision air devices 100 and/or remoteserver 139 using the available cellular or WiFi network. Alternatively,user device 137 may utilize a Bluetooth® connection to communicate withprecision air devices 100 and/or remote server 139 via mesh network 142and PAA 138.

Advantageously, the disclosed personalized comfort system may beflexibly configured to integrate into a wide range existing HVAC systemsas an upgrade or retro-fit. FIG. 5 illustrates one such configurationwhere a personalized comfort HVAC system 140 in which a PAA 138 iscommunicatively coupled thereto via a BACnet network 143. Duringoperation, BAC 135 communicates with thermostats 141 and VAV boxes 132to control the flow of conditioned air to maintain the conditioned spaceat a predetermined setpoint. In the event a precision air deviceadjustment or macrozone temperature adjustment is required in responseto a change in an occupant preference, remote server 139 transmits amessage to PAA 138 that indicates the type of change desired (e.g.,adjust the setpoint or precision air device nozzle airflow), whichprecision air device 100 is associated with the requested change, and,optionally, which VAV box 132 is associated with the indicated precisionair device 100. In turn, PAA 138 transmits a message to the indicatedprecision air device 100 via mesh network 142 to increase or decreaseairflow toward the occupant. This can be achieved by increasing ordecreasing the impeller speed accordingly and/or by adjusting theposition of damper 118 of the appropriate outlet nozzle 105. Optionallyor alternatively, PAA 138 transmits, via BACnet 143, a message to BAC135 and/or to the VAV 132 associated with the indicated precision airdevice 100 to adjust the flow of conditioned air to the vicinity inwhich indicated precision air device 100 is situated.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a personalized comfort HVACsystem 150 in which a thermostat 141 is communicatively coupled to anassociated VAV box 132 to adjust the flow of conditioned air into theconditioned space. In a typical installation, thermostat 141 and VAV box132 are hardwired or otherwise operatively linked together to enablethermostat 141 to control VAV 132 without the involvement of BAC 135 orother intermediary control device. PAA 138 is connected to VAV box 132in a thermostat override configuration whereby control of VAV box 132 bythermostat 141 is superseded by commands received from PAA 138. Forexample, VAV box 132 may provide a “thermostat override” input to whichPAA 138 is connected and which gives priority to a control signalreceived from PAA 138 over a control signal received from thermostat141. In another embodiment, a relay or other switching circuit may beused to switch control of VAV box 132 from thermostat 141 to PAA 138. Instill another embodiments, PAA 138 takes the place of thermostat 141 byutilizing the same electrical interface as thermostat 141.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another integration scenario in which BAC 135communicates with thermostat 141 and VAV box 132 using a proprietaryprotocol or an alternative protocol such as LONWORKS®. In thisembodiment, PAA 138 communicates with BAC 135 using any protocol whichis supported by both devices, for example BACnet. In the FIG. 7 example,PAA 138 is coupled to BAC 135 by a dedicated BACnet link 148. Insituations where BAC 135 is connected to a general purpose data network,such as the Internet 136, PAA 138 and BAC 135 are configured tocommunicate through the data network and may interoperate using suchdata exchange protocols as REST, SOAP, and/or JSON.

An occupant of a work station in the conditioned space employs userdevice 137 to communicate with remote server 139 and/or precision airdevice 100 to indicate his or her comfort preferences, e.g., whether thetemperature feels too warm or too cold, and to indicate other factorswhich could influence the user's perceived comfort. User device 137communicates its presence at the work station to the precision airdevice 100 installed at the work station. FIG. 8A depicts an exemplarycomfort user interface (UI) 180 of an application program 151 (“app”)executing on user device 137 that includes a pair of comfort selectionbuttons 181, 182 and a comfort slider 183. The user inputs his or herpresent level of comfort by either tapping the “Feeling comfortable?”Yes button 181 or the “Feeling comfortable?” No button 182 asappropriate. If the user is feeling uncomfortable, the user maymanipulate comfort slider 183 to indicate the amount and nature of thediscomfort (e.g., too cool, just a little cool, OK, a little warm, ortoo hot). A navigation button 184 may be used to navigate to anotheruser interface 190 which enables a user to indicate whether the user'spersonal status has changed. As seen in FIG. 8B, user interface 190includes an “Anything changed?” slider 191 that enables the user toindicate whether he or she is currently wearing lighter or heavierclothing (e.g., short sleeves, long sleeves, jacket, etc.). An“Activity” slider 192 enables the user to indicate his or her currentmetabolic state, (e.g., low physical activity, moderate physicalactivity, strenuous physical activity etc.).

In an embodiment, user inputs are transmitted from user device 137 toremote server 139. Remote server 139 receives the user preferences anduser status information from user device 137 and records thisinformation in the user's profile history. Remote server 139additionally receives environmental information relating to the area inwhich the user is located, such as, without limitation, temperature,relative humidity, local outdoor temperature, mean radiant temperature,occupancy and air velocity. Environmental information may be obtainedfrom thermostats 141, sensors 149, intake sensor 117, and/or proximitysensors 106. Additionally or alternatively, environmental data may beobtained from a weather data service provider. Remote server 139processes the user information received from user device 137 todetermine what, if any adjustment should be made to the operatingparameters of precision air device 100 in response to the updated userinformation. For example, if the user indicated he or she was too warm,remote server 139 may transmit a command to precision air device 100 toincrease the damper opening of the outlet nozzle 105 associated with theuser's work station in order to increase air flow to the user.Additionally or alternatively, the remote server 139 may transmit acommand to precision air device 100 to increase impeller speed and/ordecrease the damper opening of the other outlet nozzles 105 i.e., thosethat are not associated with the user's work station. In otherembodiments, remote server 139 may transmit a command to precision airdevice 100 to increase or decrease the airflow through the outlet nozzle105 associated with the user's work station, without regard to themanner in which the change in airflow is achieved. In these embodiments,controller 120 determines whether to change damper position and/orimpeller speed. The increments of damper position change, impeller speedchange, and/or airflow change may be specified within the commandstransmitted from remote server 139 to precision air device 100.

In embodiments, remote server 139 employs a predictive mean vote (PMV)or similar technique to assess the preferences of a plurality of usersof the conditioned space and to identify comfort trends within theconditioned space. This enables the system to reduce energy consumptionby delivering conditioned air only where needed by raising the overallmacrozone setpoint temperature and reducing total airflow, whilemaintaining comfort by analyzing user comfort feedback to determinewhich areas require greater airflow to maintain comfort and in whichareas less airflow will suffice to maintain comfort. In certainembodiments, a seasonal adjustment is applied to maintain user comfortin view of weather conditions, e.g., zone setpoint, zone airflow, and/orindividual airflow are adjusted to compensate for building thermal gainsor losses caused by seasonal temperature variations and/or physiologicalchanges. For example, occupants may experience chills more easily inwinter, therefore airflows may be decreased in winter to avoid thiseffect.

In some embodiments, the user inputs are transmitted from user device137 to precision air device 100. Precision air device 100 receives theuser inputs, which are processed with the current temperature, relativehumidity, and current airflow from the user's outlet nozzle 105, todetermine whether to increase or decrease airflow from the user's outletnozzle 105. Air flow may be changed by changing the speed or impeller109, changing the position of actuator 111 to adjust the opening ofdamper 118, or a combination of speed change and damper change.Precision air device 100 communicates the user inputs to remote server139 for storing into the user's comfort profile.

In some embodiments, the functions, processes and communicationsdescribed as being performed by remote server 139, PAA 138 and/orprecision air device 100 may be performed by one or more of the otherdevices. For example, the functions of remote server 139 may beperformed in whole or in part by PAA 138. The functions of PAA 138 maybe performed by one or more of precision air devices 100. In anembodiment, the functions of remote server 139, PAA 138 and/or precisionair device 100 may be distributed among and between each of thesedevices to provide a local processing and data storage cloud. In theseembodiments, profile and other data may be replicated among remoteserver 139, PAA 138 and/or precision air devices 100 to provideautomated backup, increase system reliability, mitigate the effects ofdevice or communication failure, and to automatically replicate data tonew or replacement devices to facilitate rapid provisioning of suchdevices.

Another example embodiment of a personalized air distribution system 200is illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 14B and includes set of interlockingflat-panel ducts that selectively deliver conditioned air to microzoneswithin the conditioned space. Conditioned air is delivered from a VAVbox 232 through a duct 201 into an intake port 215 of supply panel 202.Supply panel 202 may, in turn, be coupled to any of a plenum panel 203,a comfort panel 205, and/or a return panel 207.

Supply panel 202, plenum panel 203, comfort panel 205, return panel 207share a number of features, which are described with reference to supplypanel 202 and also pertain to plenum panel 203, comfort panel 205, andreturn panel 207. A lower surface 220 of supply panel 202 includes aplurality of perforations 213 defined therein that enables a baselinevolume of conditioned air to flow from panel air duct 214 into theconditioned space. A male panel air connector 211 is disposed on each oftwo sides of supply panel 202. A mating female panel air connector 212is disposed on the remaining two sides of supply panel 202. Male panelair connector 211 and female panel air connector 212 are configured tooperatively couple adjacent panels to provide airflow communication andmechanical coupling between panels. In an embodiment, panel airconnectors 211 and 212 include a self-actuating valve that enablesairflow therebetween when panel connectors 211 and 212 are engaged andprevents airflow when either panel connector 211 or 212 is disengaged.In an embodiment, a removable cover (not shown) may be employed to sealany unused panel connectors 211 and/or 212. In embodiments, otherarrangements of male and female couplings, hermaphroditic couplings, orother keying or locking features may be employed to couple the describedpanels.

Supply panel 202 (FIGS. 11A and B) includes a remotely-adjustable damper210 that adjusts the airflow from intake port 215 into a hollow interiorportion of supply panel 202 defining a panel air duct 214. An actuator230 is operatively coupled to damper 210 to adjust the position thereof.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, plenum panel 203 is used to delivera baseline volume of conditioned air to the conditioned space anddistribute conditioned air via panel air duct 214 to any adjacent panelsto which plenum panel 203 may be joined.

Comfort panel 205 includes a damper motor 216 that is configured torotate a circular damper disk 217 disposed within panel air duct 214.Damper disk 217 includes a ring 221 extending downwardly from thecircumferential periphery of damper disk 217. A plurality of slots 222defined in ring 221 enables air to flow from panel air connectors 211and 212 into panel air duct 214 of comfort panel 205. An outlet duct 206is defined in a lower surface 223 of comfort panel 205. Damper disk 217includes an opening 218 defined therein that is configured to rotateinto and out of alignment with outlet duct 206 as damper disk 217 isturned by damper motor 216, which, in turn, adjusts the comfort airstream expelled from outlet duct 206 into the target microzone. Dampermotor 216 may be remotely controlled by any one, some, or all of theaforementioned control elements, e.g., BAC 135, PAA 138, user device137, and/or remote server 139 to augment the baseline airflow providedby a plurality of perforations 213 to provide a personalized comfort airstream to an occupant of the targeted microzone.

Return panel 207 (FIGS. 14A and B) includes a return duct 219 disposedtherein that allows return air to flow from the conditioned space 231(FIG. 10) into a return plenum 233 defined by a space between a buildingstructure 234 (e.g., underside of roof or next floor above) and aceiling 235 of the conditioned space. Return duct 219 isolates returnair flowing therethough from conditioned air flowing though panel airduct 214.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment of the present disclosure thatincludes precision air diffuser 225. Precision air diffuser 225 isconfigured for mounting on a ceiling 235, wall or other structure of aconditioned space. Preferably, precision air diffuser 225 is mountedabove a cubicle C or microzone to provide a personalized airstream to anoccupant of the cubicle or microzone. Precision air diffuser 225includes a damper 226 that is adjusted by damper motor 227. Conditionedair supplied to precision air diffuser 225 by VAV 132 is regulated bydamper 226 and flows through an outlet grille 228 into the conditionedspace. Damper motor 227 may be remotely controlled by any one, some, orall of the aforementioned control elements, e.g., BAC 135, PAA 138, userdevice 137, and/or remote server 139 to adjust the position of damper226 to regulate airflow from outlet grille 228 to provide a personalizedcomfort air stream to an occupant of the target cubicle or microzone.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example embodiment of the present disclosurein which precision air device 100 is mounted above one or moremicrozones, for example, on a ceiling 235 positioned above anarrangement of cubicles. In this embodiment, conditioned air isdelivered from VAV 132 to intake 103 of precision air device 100 by duct131. Duct 131 may be coupled to precision air device 100 by a fitting229 attached to intake 103. Fitting 229 may be integrated into aceiling-mount embodiment of precision air device 100 and/or may beconfigured as an adapter that is selectively attachable to precision airdevice 100. Fitting 229 may optionally include a bracket configured toattach precision air device 100 to ceiling 235. Personalized airstreamsdescend from outlet nozzles 105 to provide enhanced comfort to one ormore occupants below.

Control of VAV airflow and the individual microzones served by a VAV isachieved by aggregating environmental parameters and user parameters.Environmental parameters include the local microzone temperature T_(L)and local relative humidity RH_(L) as measured by intake sensor 117, theaverage zone temperature T_(Z), and the air velocity Va at outlet nozzle105. Average zone temperature T_(Z) may be an average zone temperaturemeasured by thermostat 141, or may be a weighted average of the localmicrozone temperatures T_(L) in the microzones associated with the VAVmacrozone.

User parameters include a comfort index CI associated with a microzoneoccupant. The value of CI may vary from −1 to 1, where CI=−1 for theperson who feels comfortable at cold indoor conditions and 1 for theperson who feels comfortable at hot indoor conditions. Normal indoorconditions (e.g., normal comfort) may be benchmarked as the comfortcondition for 95% of the population as described in ASHRAE Std. 55.Clothing index CLO characterizes the type of clothing worn by theperson. For example, a user wearing t-shirt and shorts could becharacterized as having a low CLO index, one wearing a business suit ordress would be characterized as having a medium CLO index, and a userwearing a sweater, scarf, hat, or coat could be characterized as havinga high CLO index. Metabolic index MET characterizes the user's level ofphysical activity. A user who is quietly sitting at a desk could becharacterized has having a low MET index, someone who is engages inmoderate physical activity could be characterized has having a mediumMET index, and a person who is engaged in heavy activity, or for examplehas just finished a run, could be characterized as having a high METindex.

In some instances, a single VAV may serve one or more microzones and asingle microzone may be served by one or more VAVs. For example, asshown in FIG. 17, conditioned space 300 includes a number of zones andmicrozones. North zone 301 is served by VAV 305, east zone 302 is servedby VAV 306, west zone 303 is served by VAV 307, and south zone 304 isserved by VAV 308. Microzone 310 is fully within north zone 301.Microzone 311 straddles zones 301 and 303 while microzone 312 straddleszones 301 and 302. Equal quarters of microzone 313 are situated betweenzones 301, 302, 303, and 304. Microzone 314 lies fully within zone 304.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the effective zone temperatureis determined by calculating a weighted average of the individual microzone temperatures based upon a weighting factor table. An exemplary zoneweighting factors (ZW) for the microzones of conditioned space 300 isillustrated in Table 1:

TABLE 1 VAV 1 VAV 2 VAV 3 VAV 4 MZ 1 ZW = 1 ZW = 0 ZW = 0 ZW = 0 MZ 2 ZW= 0.5 ZW = 0 ZW = 0.5 ZW = 0 MZ 3 ZW = 0.5 ZW = 0.5 ZW = 0 ZW = 0 MZ 4ZW = 0.25 ZW = 0.25 ZW = 0.25 ZW = 0.25 MZ 5 ZW = 0 ZW = 0 ZW = 0 ZW = 1

The target zone temperature for a VAV may be computed using the formula

$T_{Z,{VAV}} = {\frac{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}{{ZW}_{i}*T_{L,i}}}{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}{ZW}_{i}}.}$

The damper 113 of the target VAV is then adjusted so the effective zonetemperature for that zone converges to the setpoint zone temperature.Using Table 1 as an example, the temperature for VAV 1 is computed as

$T_{Z,{{VAV}\; 1}} = {\frac{{1*T_{L,{MZ}_{1}}} + {0.5*T_{L,{MZ}_{2}}} + {0.5*T_{L,{MZ}_{3}}} + {0.25*T_{L,{MZ}_{4}}}}{2.25}.}$

Zone temperature and microzone air velocity are factors that areadjusted by the system to influence perceived temperature. Precision airdevice 100 is configured to deliver a personalized air stream atvelocities ranging from zero to about 300 feet per minute (fpm). Forexample, at a setpoint zone temperature of 77° F., the perceivedtemperature range is from 77° F. with a personalized air stream velocityof zero (e.g., precision air device 100 is off) to about 72° F. with anair stream velocity of 150 fpm and to about 71° F. with an airstreamvelocity of 300 fpm. Thus, at 77° F. the system has the capability tovary perceived temperature of a microzone over about a 6° F. range. Thiscapability enables the system to operate in a “maximum savings” mode,where setpoint zone temperature is set to a higher temperature andmicrozones operate with high airstream velocity to provide an overallcooler perceived temperature. Optionally or alternatively, thiscapability enables the system to operate in a “maximum comfort” mode,where the full range of microzone airstream velocities, and hence,perceived temperatures, are utilized to provide personalized comfort tooccupant(s) of each microzone within about a 6° F. range.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, FIG. 18 illustrates adynamic comfort index model 350 that is established to express thecomfort index CI of an individual as a function of the five microzoneclimate and personal parameters, e.g., local microzone temperatureT_(L), nozzle air velocity Va, clothing index CLO, metabolic index MET,and local relative humidity RH_(L). In an embodiment, these parametersand CI are recorded with a timestamp in a log to generate the dynamicmodel. Dynamic comfort index model 350 may be stored as part of theuser's comfort profile. In embodiments, dynamic comfort index model 350is established using fuzzy logic techniques. In embodiments, dynamiccomfort index model 350 is established using neural network techniques.Other suitable computational techniques may additionally be employed tobuild dynamic comfort index model 350. In use, the dynamic comfort indexmodel 350 is used to determine the optimal nozzle air velocity Vanecessary to achieve the desired personal comfort of an occupant of amicrozone based on that occupant's dynamic comfort index model 350. Inan embodiment, this can be accomplished by solving the dynamic comfortindex model 350 for nozzle air velocity using the formulaCI(i)=f{T_(L)(i),V_(a)(i),clo(i),MET(i),RH_(L)(i)} where f representsthe relationship between local microzone temperature T_(L), nozzle airvelocity Va, clothing index CLO, metabolic index MET, and local relativehumidity RH_(L), or the formulaV_(a)(i)=f⁻¹{T_(L)(i),CI(i),clo(i),MET(i),RH_(L)(i)}, where f⁻¹represents the relationship where CI is an input and Va is an output.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating amicrozone HVAC system having precision air devices is described withreference to FIGS. 19-24. In FIG. 19, precision air device initial setup400 is performed when a precision air device 100 is initialized, such aswhen it is paired with a microzone user. At block 405 initial values foraverage zone temperature T_(Z), local relative humidity RH_(L), airvelocity Va, clothing index CLO, and metabolic index MET are assigned.In some embodiments, these initial values may be determined from astatic template established by, for example, an installer or HVAC systemoperator. In some embodiments, average zone temperature T_(Z) and localrelative humidity RH_(L) may be determined from dynamic values obtainedfrom, for example, BAC 135. Air velocity Va can be set to a medianvalue, for example 150 ft/min.

At block 410 a time delay is imposed to enable precision air device 100to stabilize. At block 415 the current local microzone temperatureT_(L), local relative humidity RH_(L), and nozzle air velocity Va isobtained. At block 420, the user's current clothing index CLO andmetabolic index MET are obtained from the user's device (421) and/orretrieved from precision air device 100. At block 425, the current localmicrozone temperature T_(L), nozzle air velocity Va, clothing index CLOand metabolic index MET are transmitted to PAA 138. At block 430 theuser's comfort index CI is determined from the current conditions and istransmitted to PAA 138 to update the user's profile. Additionally, atblock 435 the user's comfort index CI is stored locally. This local copyof the user's CI is used as a fallback measure to enable precision airdevice 100 to continue functioning in the event network communication isdisrupted or other system device becomes unavailable.

Precision air aggregator (PAA) 138 initialization is illustrated at 450.At block 455 a baseline comfort index CI is set to 0. After a delay atblock 460, at block 465 the baseline CI is used to update the user's CIprofile (FIG. 23, block 800).

A flowchart 500 illustrating a method of operating precision air device100 is illustrated in FIG. 20 where microzone status (e.g., a microzonewhose occupant is uncomfortably cold or warm) is identified andprocessed. The method initializes in block 505 and the occupancy of themicrozone is determined at block 510 based upon, e.g., a signal fromoccupancy sensor(s) 106. No further adjustments are performed if themicrozone is unoccupied. In block 515 the current operating conditionsof precision air device 100 are obtained, such as the average zonetemperature T_(Z), local microzone temperature T_(L), the position ofnozzle damper 118 of the target microzone (XD), and the speed of motor110 (RPM). The required air velocity Va to provide the appropriate levelof perceived cooling to the target microzone is determined in block 520from the above parameters and the user's comfort index CI and, in block525, is compared to a predetermined upper threshold. If the resultantair velocity is above the upper threshold, for example 290 ft/min (whichcan correspond to the upper operating limits of precision air device100), then in block 530, the microzone temperature T_(L) is compared tothe zone temperature T_(Z). If microzone temperature T_(L) exceeds zonetemperature T_(Z), then in block 535 the microzone is flagged as a “hotzone” and the T_down process (FIG. 21, block 600) is triggered at block540.

If microzone temperature T_(L) does not exceed zone temperature T_(Z),then in block 545 precision air device 100 issues a request to userdevice 137 to solicit user input to determine whether another causeexists for a high air velocity Va result. In block 550 the user is askedto confirm whether the orientation of outlet vent 105 is correct (e.g.,pointed towards the user). If it is, then at block 555 the user is askedwhether his or her metabolic state has changed. If not, the user is thenasked whether the user's clothing has changed from that previouslydescribed to the system. If none of these conditions apply, thenoperation proceeds at block 535 where the microzone is flagged as a “hotzone” and the T_down process is triggered at block 540. If nozzleorientation is correct, or if a change in metabolic activity or clothingweight was indicated, then at block 565 the user's comfort index CI isrecalculated and the CI_update process is triggered (FIG. 23, block800). A time delay is imposed at block 585, and the process iterates toblock 510.

Referring back to block 525, if the resultant air velocity does notexceed the predetermined upper threshold, then in block 570 theresultant air velocity is compared to a predetermined lower threshold.If the resultant air velocity is below the lower threshold, for example50 ft/min (which can correspond to the lower operating limits ofprecision air device 100), then in block 575 the microzone is flagged asa “cold zone” and the T_up process (FIG. 22, block 700) is triggered atblock 580.

Zone setpoint decrease process 600 (T_down) and setpoint increaseprocess (T_up) 700 are described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22,respectively. The T_down process begins at block 605 by tabulating thetotal number of occupied microzones flagged as hot zones (FIG. 20, block535). In block 610, a determination is made whether the percentage ofhot microzones is at least a predetermined threshold percentage of thetotal number of occupied microzones within a VAV zone and whether zonetemperature T_(Z) exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. In thepresent example embodiment, the predetermined threshold percentage is20% and the predetermined threshold temperature is 72°, however, itshould be understood that other threshold percentages and temperaturesmay be utilized to achieve system performance goals. Continuing with thepresent example, if the total number of hot microzones equals or exceeds20% of the total number of occupied microzones and the zone temperatureexceeds 72° F., then in block 620 the setpoint zone temperature islowered by a preset increment, for example, 0.5° F. In block 625, theVa_update process (FIG. 21, block 650) is triggered to re-adjust the airvelocity of precision air device 100. At block 630 a time delay isimposed to allow the system to stabilize.

In FIG. 22, the zone setpoint increase process (T_up) 700 begins atblock 705 by tabulating the total number of microzones flagged as coldzones (FIG. 20, block 575). In block 710, a determination is madewhether the percentage of cold microzones is at least a predeterminedthreshold percentage of the total number of occupied microzones within aVAV zone and whether zone temperature T_(Z) is less that predeterminedthreshold temperature. In the present example embodiment, thepredetermined threshold percentage is 80% and the predeterminedthreshold temperature is 77°, however, it should be understood thatother threshold percentages and temperatures may be utilized to achievesystem performance goals. Continuing with the present example, if thetotal number of cold microzones equals or exceeds 80% of the totalnumber of occupied microzones and the zone temperature is less than 77°F., then in block 720 the setpoint zone temperature is increased by apreset increment, for example, 0.5° F. In block 725, the Va_updateprocess (FIG. 21, block 650) is triggered to re-adjust the air velocityof precision air device 100. At block 730 a time delay is imposed toallow the system to stabilize.

With reference again to FIG. 21, the air velocity of precision airdevice 100 is adjusted by the Va_update process 650. At block 655,microzone temperature T_(L), local relative humidity RH_(L), and comfortindex CI are obtained and in block 660 are applied to dynamic comfortindex model 350 to obtain the appropriate air velocity Va required tosatisfy the comfort requirements of the target microzone. In block 665,motor 100 speed (RPM) and nozzle damper 118 position XD are adjusted togenerate air velocity Va, and at block 670 the microzone statuscontinues to be re-evaluated (FIG. 20, block 500).

FIG. 23 illustrates a method 800 of updating a user's comfort index (CI)profile (FIG. 23, block 800). At block 805 the new comfort index CI isobtained. At block 810, a determination is made whether the new comfortindex differs from the existing comfort index by more than apredetermined amount. In the present example, the comfort index mustchange by at least +/−2% from the existing comfort index. It should benoted, however, that in other embodiments, other percentages and/orabsolute amounts may be utilized. If the change in comfort index doesnot exceed the predetermined amount, no update is performed and in block815 the microzone status continues to be re-evaluated (FIG. 20, block500). Otherwise, if the CI change equals or exceeds the predeterminedamount, then in block 820, the current microzone CI is updated toreflect the new microzone CI and in block 825 the new user CI is storedfor future reference. In block 830 a CI log update is initiated. Inblock 835, the new CI is entered into the microzone's short-term (daily)log 836 and long-term (yearly) log 837, and in block 840 the microzonestatus continues to be re-evaluated (FIG. 20, block 500).

FIG. 24 is a precision air data flow diagram 900 that illustrates arelationship between learning mode 910, short-term and long-term history(logs) 835, and operational mode 920 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In learning mode 910, a fuzzy logic module 911(or functional block implementing an alternative curve fittingmethodology) receives input parameters including dynamic local microzonetemperature T_(L) and local relative humidity RH_(L); a requested airvelocity Va; and a user-specified clothing and metabolic parameters(CLO, MET). Fuzzy logic module 911 includes rules and weightings, suchas those described above, to generate the comfort index CI for a givenset of input parameters. The generated comfort index CI is stored intothe microzone's (e.g., occupant's) short-term (daily) log 836 andlong-term (yearly) log 837. During operational mode 920, the inversefunction of the learning curves derived from fuzzy logic module 911receives as input the local microzone temperature T_(L), local relativehumidity RH_(L), and historically-adjusted microzone comfort index CI togenerate the appropriate air velocity to achieve the appropriateperceived temperature T_(P) for the given microzone. It should beunderstood that unlike prior art thermal comfort models which assumeindividual comfort is a fixed value, or a value within a range, thedisclosed comfort index method recognizes that comfort preference notonly changes from person to person, but also that a given person'scomfort requirement can change during the day and throughout the year.In an embodiment, the short-term (daily) log 836 and long-term (yearly)log 837 are initialized with default curves for typical daily andseasonal variations. Daily log 836 and yearly log 837 curves are updatedin accordance with the user requests for air velocity Va for a givenlocal T_(L), local relative humidity RH_(L), and user-entered level ofmetabolic activity MET and clothing CLO.

Advantageously, the disclosed method effectively models radianttemperature, which is impractical to directly measure in an HVACenvironment. Radiant temperature is a factor that affects andindividual's instantaneous thermal comfort preference. The variation inradiant temperature with respect to seasons (dependent, for example, onoutside ambient temperature) and week of the day (weekend/night setbacktemperature setpoints) is captured in the CI logger. A user's pattern inclothing preference throughout the year and changes in metabolicactivity within a day are all captured in the CI logger. Once logged,these patterns will, over time, reduce user interaction with the systemas it anticipates the user's clothing and metabolic activity patternsand provides the necessary adjustments in microzone climate to maintainthe user's individual comfort.

Examples of user interactions during learning mode 910 and operationalmode 920 are illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, wherein user device 137includes a user interface 950 having a fan speed control 951 thatenables a user to adjust the impeller speed of precision air device 100between a minimum speed or off state to a maximum speed state. Duringuse, the recommended (e.g., system-determined) fan speed is indicated bya fan speed indicator 952. If a user feels uncomfortable, for example,too warm, the user may request more air velocity (Va) by increasing thevalue of fan speed control 951 to the requested value 953. The requestfor increased air velocity triggers microzone learn mode 910 to updateand log the user's comfort index as described above. In FIG. 25B, themicrozone resumes operational mode, wherein fan speed indicator 952 isrecalibrated to reflect the updated comfort index, and additionally oralternatively, a recalibration indicator 955 is presented on userinterface 950.

ASPECTS

It is noted that any of aspects 1-22 may be combined with each other inany suitable combination.

Aspect 1. A precision air device comprising a housing, an air intake, anoutlet nozzle, a nozzle damper operatively associated with the outletnozzle, an air mover configured to move air from the air intake to theoutlet nozzle, an air sensor, and a controller that comprises aprocessor in operative communication with the air mover and the airsensor, a communications interface coupled to the processor, and amemory coupled to the processor storing instructions, which, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the controller to verify the presenceof an occupant, determine a target air velocity, and adjust the nozzledamper and/or the air mover to deliver the determined air velocity fromthe outlet nozzle.

Aspect 2. The precision air device in accordance with any of aspect 1,further comprising an actuator coupled to the nozzle damper, theactuator in operative communication with the processor and configured toadjust the position of the nozzle damper.

Aspect 3. The precision air device in accordance with aspect 1 or 2,further comprising an occupancy sensor in operative communication withthe processor.

Aspect 4. The precision air device in accordance with any of aspects1-3, wherein the air sensor includes a temperature sensor and/or arelative humidity sensor.

Aspect 5. The precision air device in accordance with any of aspects1-4, wherein the air mover comprises a centrifugal impeller and avariable speed motor operatively coupled to the centrifugal impeller.

Aspect 6. The precision air device in accordance with any of aspects1-5, wherein the air mover is fixed to the base with one or moreisolation members.

Aspect 7. The precision air device in accordance with any of aspects1-6, further comprising a vane structure disposed between the air intakeand the air mover and having a series of vanes extending downwardlytherefrom dimensioned to engage an inner surface of the housing andconfigured to direct air from the air mover to the outlet nozzle.

Aspect 8. A microzone HVAC system, comprising a variable air volume boxconfigured to deliver conditioned air to a zone, one or more precisionair devices, and a precision air aggregator in operative communicationwith the one or more precision air devices and the variable air volumebox.

Aspect 9. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with aspect 8, furthercomprising application software configured for execution on a userdevice to enable a user to communicate a comfort parameter to themicrozone HVAC system.

Aspect 10. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with aspect 8 or 9,wherein the application software is further configured to pair the userdevice to a specific one of the one or more precision air devices.

Aspect 11. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with any of aspects8-10, wherein the comfort parameter is selected from the groupconsisting of a fan speed, a clothing characterization, and a metaboliccharacterization.

Aspect 12. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with any of aspects8-11, wherein the precision air aggregator is communicatively coupledwith the one or more precision air devices by a wireless mesh network.

Aspect 13. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with any of aspects8-12, wherein the precision air device comprises a housing, an airintake, an outlet nozzle, a nozzle damper operatively associated withthe outlet nozzle, an air mover configured to move air from the airintake to the outlet nozzle, an air sensor, and a controller comprisinga processor in operative communication with the air mover and airsensor, a communications interface coupled to the processor, and amemory coupled to the processor storing instructions, which, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the controller to verify the presenceof an occupant, determine a target air velocity, and adjust the nozzledamper and/or the air mover to deliver the determined air velocity fromthe outlet nozzle.

Aspect 14. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with any of aspects8-13, wherein the precision air aggregator comprises a comfort indexlog, a processor, a communications interface coupled to the processor,and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions, which, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the controller to receive a comfortindex from a precision air device and enter the received comfort indexinto the a comfort index log if the received comfort index differs fromthe previous comfort index by a predetermined amount.

Aspect 15. A method of operating a microzone HVAC system, comprisingassociating a precision air device to a microzone within a climatecontrol macrozone, pairing a user device with the precision air device,cooling the macrozone to a first setpoint temperature, sensing anoccupancy of the microzone, receiving, at the precision air device, auser comfort parameter from the user device, and adjusting an airvelocity of the precision air device in accordance with the receiveduser comfort parameter to attempt to achieve a perceived temperature atthe microzone that is different from the first setpoint temperature.

Aspect 16. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith aspect 15, further comprising cooling the macrozone to a secondsetpoint temperature that is different than the first setpointtemperature if the perceived temperature is not achieved.

Aspect 17. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith aspect 15 or 16, further comprising defining an initial comfortindex of a user, obtaining a macrozone temperature, a microzonetemperature, a current air velocity of the precision air device, a userclothing characterization, and a user metabolic characterization,receiving an air velocity adjustment amount from the user, and updatingthe comfort index of the user based on the air velocity adjustment.

Aspect 18. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith any of aspects 15-17, wherein the macrozones include a plurality ofmicrozones, further comprising cooling the macrozone to a secondsetpoint temperature that is lower than the first setpoint temperatureif the number of microzones where the current air velocity is greaterthan a predetermined threshold exceeds a predetermined percentage of thetotal number of microzones.

Aspect 19. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith any of aspects 15-18, wherein the macrozones include a plurality ofmicrozones, further comprising cooling the macrozone to a secondsetpoint temperature that is lower than the first setpoint temperatureif the number of microzones where the current air velocity is greaterthan a predetermined threshold exceeds a predetermined percentage of thetotal number of occupied microzones.

Aspect 20. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith any of aspects 15-19, further comprising soliciting an updated userclothing characterization and an updated user metabolic characterizationif the microzone temperature exceeds the macrozone temperature.

Aspect 21. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith any of aspects 15-20, wherein the macrozones include a plurality ofmicrozones, further comprising increasing the macrozone temperature to asecond setpoint temperature that is greater than the first setpointtemperature if the number of microzones where the current air velocityis less than a predetermined threshold exceeds a predeterminedpercentage of the total number of microzones.

Aspect 22. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordancewith any of aspects 15-21, wherein the macrozones include a plurality ofmicrozones, further comprising increasing the macrozone temperature to asecond setpoint temperature that is greater than the first setpointtemperature if the number of microzones where the current air velocityis less than a predetermined threshold exceeds a predeterminedpercentage of the total number of occupied microzones.

What is claimed is:
 1. A precision air device, comprising: a housing; anair intake; an outlet nozzle; a nozzle damper operatively associatedwith the outlet nozzle; an air mover configured to move air from the airintake to the outlet nozzle; an air sensor; and a controller,comprising: a processor in operative communication with the air moverand the air sensor; a communications interface coupled to the processor;and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions, which, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the controller to: verify the presenceof an occupant; determine a target air velocity; and adjust the nozzledamper and/or the air mover to deliver the determined air velocity fromthe outlet nozzle.
 2. The precision air device in accordance with claim1, further comprising an actuator coupled to the nozzle damper, theactuator in operative communication with the processor and configured toadjust the position of the nozzle damper.
 3. The precision air device inaccordance with claim 1, further comprising an occupancy sensor inoperative communication with the processor.
 4. The precision air devicein accordance with claim 1, wherein the air sensor includes atemperature sensor and/or a relative humidity sensor.
 5. The precisionair device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the air mover comprises:a centrifugal impeller; and a variable speed motor operatively coupledto the centrifugal impeller.
 6. The precision air device in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the air mover is fixed to the base with one ormore isolation members.
 7. The precision air device in accordance withclaim 1, further comprising: a vane structure disposed between the airintake and the air mover and having a series of vanes extendingdownwardly therefrom dimensioned to engage an inner surface of thehousing and configured to direct air from the air mover to the outletnozzle.
 8. A microzone HVAC system, comprising: a variable air volumebox configured to deliver conditioned air to a zone; one or moreprecision air devices; and a precision air aggregator in operativecommunication with the one or more precision air devices and thevariable air volume box.
 9. The microzone HVAC system in accordance withclaim 8, further comprising application software configured forexecution on a user device to enable a user to communicate a comfortparameter to the microzone HVAC system.
 10. The microzone HVAC system inaccordance with claim 9, wherein the application software is furtherconfigured to pair the user device to a specific one of the one or moreprecision air devices.
 11. The microzone HVAC system in accordance withclaim 9, wherein the comfort parameter is selected from the groupconsisting of a fan speed, a clothing characterization, and a metaboliccharacterization.
 12. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with claim8, wherein the precision air aggregator is communicatively coupled withthe one or more precision air devices by a wireless mesh network. 13.The microzone HVAC system in accordance with claim 8, wherein theprecision air device comprises: a housing; an air intake; an outletnozzle; a nozzle damper operatively associated with the outlet nozzle;an air mover configured to move air from the air intake to the outletnozzle; an air sensor; and a controller, comprising: a processor inoperative communication with the air mover and air sensor; acommunications interface coupled to the processor; and a memory coupledto the processor storing instructions, which, when executed by theprocessor, cause the controller to: verify the presence of an occupant;determine a target air velocity; and adjust the nozzle damper and/or theair mover to deliver the determined air velocity from the outlet nozzle.14. The microzone HVAC system in accordance with claim 8, wherein theprecision air aggregator comprises: a comfort index log; a processor; acommunications interface coupled to the processor; and a memory coupledto the processor storing instructions, which, when executed by theprocessor, cause the controller to: receive a comfort index from aprecision air device; and enter the received comfort index into the acomfort index log if the received comfort index differs from theprevious comfort index by a predetermined amount.
 15. A method ofoperating a microzone HVAC system, comprising: associating a precisionair device to a microzone within a climate control macrozone; pairing auser device with the precision air device; cooling the macrozone to afirst setpoint temperature; sensing an occupancy of the microzone;receiving, at the precision air device, a user comfort parameter fromthe user device; and adjusting an air velocity of the precision airdevice in accordance with the received user comfort parameter to attemptto achieve a perceived temperature at the microzone that is differentfrom the first setpoint temperature.
 16. The method of operating amicrozone HVAC system in accordance with claim 15, further comprisingcooling the macrozone to a second setpoint temperature that is differentthan the first setpoint temperature if the perceived temperature is notachieved.
 17. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system inaccordance with claim 15, further comprising: defining an initialcomfort index of a user; obtaining a macrozone temperature, a microzonetemperature, a current air velocity of the precision air device, a userclothing characterization, and a user metabolic characterization;receiving an air velocity adjustment amount from the user; and updatingthe comfort index of the user based on the air velocity adjustment. 18.The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordance with claim15, wherein the macrozones include a plurality of microzones, furthercomprising cooling the macrozone to a second setpoint temperature thatis lower than the first setpoint temperature if the number of microzoneswhere the current air velocity is greater than a predetermined thresholdexceeds a predetermined percentage of the total number of microzones.19. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system in accordance withclaim 15, wherein the macrozones include a plurality of microzones,further comprising cooling the macrozone to a second setpointtemperature that is lower than the first setpoint temperature if thenumber of microzones where the current air velocity is greater than apredetermined threshold exceeds a predetermined percentage of the totalnumber of occupied microzones.
 20. The method of operating a microzoneHVAC system in accordance with claim 15, further comprising solicitingan updated user clothing characterization and an updated user metaboliccharacterization if the microzone temperature exceeds the macrozonetemperature.
 21. The method of operating a microzone HVAC system inaccordance with claim 15, wherein the macrozones include a plurality ofmicrozones, further comprising increasing the macrozone temperature to asecond setpoint temperature that is greater than the first setpointtemperature if the number of microzones where the current air velocityis less than a predetermined threshold exceeds a predeterminedpercentage of the total number of microzones.
 22. The method ofoperating a microzone HVAC system in accordance with claim 15, whereinthe macrozones include a plurality of microzones, further comprisingincreasing the macrozone temperature to a second setpoint temperaturethat is greater than the first setpoint temperature if the number ofmicrozones where the current air velocity is less than a predeterminedthreshold exceeds a predetermined percentage of the total number ofoccupied microzones.